Unlocking the Power Within: The Benefits of the Forms of Lau Gar Kung Fu

The forms you will learn within the Lau Gar system shall teach you the essence of this Kung Fu style. Forms play a pivotal role in the training and development of practitioners. In Kung Fu, forms are a cornerstone of traditional training, offering a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond physical conditioning. Let's delve into the profound advantages that forms provide in the practice of Kung Fu:

Each and every movement within the patterns form the basis of all the defensive blocks and counter strikes you will need to hone your skills and master the art. The forms range from very simple blocking techniques through to mastering weapons such as the broadsword.

1. Physical Mastery:

Forms in Kung Fu involve a series of choreographed movements that engage every muscle group in the body. Through repeated practice, practitioners develop strength, flexibility, and coordination, honing their physical abilities to a high level of proficiency.

2. Technique Refinement:

Each movement within a Kung Fu form is deliberate and purposeful, requiring precise execution of techniques such as strikes, blocks, and stances. By meticulously practicing these movements, practitioners refine their techniques, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in real-life self-defense situations.

3. Mental Focus and Discipline:

Performing a Kung Fu form requires unwavering concentration and mental discipline. Practitioners must maintain focus throughout the entire sequence, cultivating mindfulness and enhancing their ability to remain calm and composed under pressure.

4. Cultural Preservation:

Kung Fu forms are steeped in history and tradition, serving as a link to the rich heritage of Chinese martial arts. By learning and practicing forms, practitioners not only develop their physical skills but also honor and preserve the cultural legacy passed down through generations.

5. Self-Expression and Artistry:

While Kung Fu forms adhere to a structured framework, there is also room for individual expression and creativity. Practitioners have the opportunity to infuse their own style and personality into their performance, transforming each form into a unique expression of their martial prowess.

6. Internal Energy Cultivation:

In addition to the external movements, Kung Fu forms also incorporate elements of internal energy cultivation, such as breath control, visualization, and meditation. These practices help practitioners harness and channel their internal energy, promoting holistic health and vitality.

7. Combat Application:

While forms are often practiced as solo routines, they are also invaluable for developing practical combat skills. The techniques and principles embedded within forms are directly applicable to sparring and real-life self-defense scenarios, providing practitioners with a comprehensive arsenal of techniques.

8. Character Development:

The journey of mastering Kung Fu forms is as much about personal growth as it is about physical skill. Through dedication, perseverance, and self-discipline, practitioners cultivate valuable traits such as patience, humility, and resilience, fostering a strong and virtuous character.

In essence, forms are the soul of Kung Fu, embodying centuries of wisdom, tradition, and mastery. By embracing the practice of forms, practitioners embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, unlocking their true potential both on and off the training floor.

Weapons training

Maybe not the most practical of skills to learn, as you are hardly going to be taking your sword with you as you go to the shops… Or is it?

Weapons training gives you the ‘tools’ you need to apply to whatever defensive aids you may have to hand when it comes to self-defence – you may simply have an umbrella, a walking stick or a broom to hand, all of which you can adapt your weapons skills to use in an effective manner to protect yourself from an assailant.

A weapon should be considered an extension of the body. As such weapon training provides an ideal platform for advanced martial art practice requiring strength, speed and coordination. All of these are to the benefit of any martial artist

Lau Gar Dan Dao

The dao is known as "The Marshall of All Weapons" and is one of the four major weapons of Kung Fu, along with the gwun (staff), qiang (spear), and the jian (straight sword). Dao is actually a generic word used to denote any member of a family of single-edged, broad-bladed cutting or slicing tools, but in common, everyday usage means knife. The weapon, also known as dan dao (single knife) when just one is used.

Kwun Jorn

The gwun is known as "The Farther of All Weapons" and is the first major weapon to be taught to students of Lau Gar students is the wooden staff ('gwun'). Gwun simply means wooden staff, and is typically about 1.8 meters in length and approximately 3.5cm in diameter. It is made of hard wood and is therefore almost completely inflexible.